Catholic Answers Live #12626 What Does the Bible Say About Confession and Mortal Sins - Tom Nash
Mar 12, 2026
Tom Nash, experienced Catholic apologist who explains confession, sacraments, and morality. He traces the biblical basis for confession and why the Church maintains the practice. Short segments cover whether venial sins should be confessed, how priests guard the seal, when confession is required before Communion, defining mortal sin, perfect contrition at death, and marital-ethics questions about withdrawal.
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Scriptural Basis For Confession
- The Bible supports sacramental confession via Christ giving the apostles authority to forgive or retain sins in John 20.
- Tom Nash ties this to Matthew 16/28 and the binding/loosing authority as a normative means for forgiving mortal sins.
Make Confession A Regular Practice
- Go to confession regularly even if you have no mortal sins to grow in holiness and receive sacramental grace.
- Tom cites Pius XII endorsing frequent confession and notes St. John Paul II went weekly as an example of frequent practice.
Why Priests Speak Vaguely About Confession
- Priests must keep confessions anonymous and speak only in general terms to avoid betraying penitents.
- Tom explains homilies or clergy discussions can address common sins generally for encouragement without identifying individuals.
